Sriramulu Is BJP’s Deputy CM Candidate In Karnataka

Bengaluru: In a clever move to capture the Dalit vote bank, the BJP has decided to name influential Dalit leader B Sriramulu as the party's Deputy Chief Minister candidate in the upcoming Karnataka elections. This move will definitely surprise the ruling Congress party which has always been depending on this vote bank.

Out of 6.5 crore population in Karnataka state, 25 per cent among them are Dalits and all parties in the state are desperately trying to woo them, now that election fever has reached a feverish pitch. The BJP, on its part, has been pulling out all stops to get the Dalit votes. As a first step in this direction they have already pulled the Valmiki Nayak community towards their party.

After having declared the name of the Lingayat leader BS Yedyurappa as the CM candidate and a Dalit leader Sriramulu as the Deputy CM candidate, BJP is of the opinion that they have a winning combination at hand. It is learnt that Sriramulu will be contesting from Molakalmuru reserved constituency in Chitradurga district. "I am ready to take up whatever responsibility the high-command bestows upon me. I will try for BJP's victory in 31 SC and ST constituencies and make Yedyurappa as the next CM."

Currently, Sriramulu is Lok Sabha MP from Bellary district. He will be contesting in Molakalmuru assembly constituency for the first time. Molakalmuru MLA is S Thippeswamy had earlier won the elections under Sriramulu's BSRCP, the party was later merged with BJP, and as such, the MLA is now with BJP.